The first people believed to have inhabited Iceland were Irish monks or hermits who came in the 8th century, but left with the arrival of Norsemen, who systematically settled Iceland in the period circa AD 870-930. No archaeological finds have been found to support this theory about these monks known as Papar in Iceland. The first known permanent Norse settler was Ingólfur Arnarson, who built his homestead in Reykjavík, traditionally in the year 874. Ingólfur was followed by many other emigrant settlers, largely Norsemen and their Irish slaves. By 930, most arable land had been claimed and the Althing, a legislative and judiciary parliament, was founded as the political hub of the Icelandic Commonwealth. Christianity was adopted 999-1000. The Commonwealth lasted until 1262 when the political system devised by the original settlers proved unable to cope with the increasing power of Icelandic chieftains.
This is a sculpture of a Viking longboat on the southern bend of Faxaflói Bay in Seltjarnarnes Peninsula, Reykjavik.
The first permanent settlement in Iceland by Nordic people is believed to have been established in Reykjavík by the Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson around AD 870; this is described in Landnámabók, or the Book of Settlement. Ingólfur Arnarson is said to have decided the location of his settlement using a traditional Viking method; by dumping his high seat pillars, Öndvegissúlur, in the ocean when he saw the coastline and then settled where the pillars came to shore. Steam from hot springs in the region is supposed to have inspired Reykjavík's name, as Reykjavík loosely translates to "Smokey Bay".
This is a shot from inside Reykjavik's Museum of Settlement, showing what is beleived to be one of the original Viking houses to be built within the city, circa 870 A.D.
These are artifacts found at the unearthed Viking settlement. The most interesting artifact is the peculiar-looking key, located in the middle.
A 3D scale model of what the Viking house may have looked like.
An image of me standing at the foot of Leif Ericson (discoverer of America) in front of Hallgrímskirkja church.
Behind the statue of Leif Ericson, the inscription reads: "Leifr Eiricsson, son of Iceland, discoverer of Vinland [North America]. The United States of America to the people of Iceland on the one thousandth anniversary of the Althing: A.D. 1930."
A wax model of Erik the Red in the Perlan Center in southern Reykjavik. Erik the Red was a native Icelander who first discovered Greenland circa 982.
Wax models from the Reykjavik's Saga Museum depicting a pagan Viking beheading an Irish monk who came to Iceland for religious solitude.
Another set of wax models from the Saga Museum. These two figures are engaged in a bitter battle for land.
During World War II, Iceland allowed Allied forces to use Iceland as a base for their operations in Europe
This is Thingvellir, the most historically important location in Iceland.
Thingvellir overlooks the huge lake Thingvallavatn.
At Thingvellir, a sheer cliff called The Rock of Law, was the location of the first meetings of Parliament dating back from 930 A.D.. This is an artist's depiction of what The Rock of Law may have looked like during the Viking Age.
For comparison, this is a picture of The Rock of Law in the present day, taken from the same angle.
On June 17, 1944, Iceland gained its Independence at The Rock of Law in Thingvellir.
This is the site of the signing of Iceland's Declaration of Independence at The Rock of Law as it appears today.
Overlooking Thingvellir from atop the slopes of The Rock of Law.
A shot of me taking in an absolutely breathtaking view of Thingvellir (again, atop The Rock of Law).
This Viking Age house, called a Rutshellir, is built directly into the side of a mountain and utilizes the cliffs many caves as auxiliary storage rooms for food and livestock.
Rutshellirs had were build partially underground and were insulated with moss, which helped keep out the bitter Icelandic cold and rain.
Icelandic History!
The first people believed to have inhabited Iceland were Irish monks or hermits who came in the 8th century, but left with the arrival of Norsemen, who systematically settled Iceland in the period circa AD 870-930. No archaeological finds have been found to support this theory about these monks known as Papar in Iceland. The first known permanent Norse settler was Ingólfur Arnarson, who built his homestead in Reykjavík, traditionally in the year 874. Ingólfur was followed by many other emigrant settlers, largely Norsemen and their Irish slaves. By 930, most arable land had been claimed and the Althing, a legislative and judiciary parliament, was founded as the political hub of the Icelandic Commonwealth. Christianity was adopted 999-1000. The Commonwealth lasted until 1262 when the political system devised by the original settlers proved unable to cope with the increasing power of Icelandic chieftains.